15 plants that can grow just in water. Full article 👇 💬

 

Why Grow Plants in Water?

Growing plants in water (also called hydroponic or semi‑hydroponic houseplants) offers several benefits:

• No messy soil and fewer pests (soil gnats, etc).

• Clear glass containers let you see the roots — interesting aesthetically.

• It’s often easier for propagation: many plants naturally root in water before transferring to soil.

• With the right maintenance (fresh water, some nutrients, good light) many plants can thrive indefinitely in water. For example, publications note a variety of houseplants that can “grow in water — no soil necessary.” Real Simple+1

• Good for apartments or places where you prefer clean, minimal setups.

However — growing in water requires attention: change water regularly, ensure some nutrients (or occasional fertiliser), avoid stagnant water, and pick plants that adapt well. Many houseplant care guides emphasise these points. Homes and Gardens+1

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✅ How to Do It: General Tips for Growing Plants in Water

Before diving into the individual plants, here are key practices to make your water‑grown plants healthy:

• Use a clean glass or clear container if you want to see roots; opaque works too if you prefer hidden roots.

• Make sure only the stem base / root area is submerged — avoid submerging leaves that would rot.

• Provide bright, indirect light for most plants. Some tolerate lower light, but brighter gives more growth.

• Change the water regularly — every 1‑2 weeks is common. Refreshing helps avoid stagnation, algae, root rot. Houseplant Alley+1

• Use clean water — if your tap water has high chlorine, let it sit or use filtered.

• Optionally add a very dilute liquid fertilizer or hydroponic nutrient once roots are established, because water alone lacks many nutrients. Sources emphasise that for long‑term growth you’ll need some nutrient input. Real Simple+1

• Keep the container and roots clean — rinse off any debris, remove dead roots/leaves.

• Use cuttings or plants that have shown root growth in water; some plants adapt better if they begin as cuttings.

• Avoid direct scorching sunlight shining through the water (which can overheat roots or promote algae).

• Be mindful that some plants grown in water may not grow as large or lush as their soil‑grown counterparts. For example, one article about spider plants grown in water warns growth may be stunted. Homes and Gardens

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Now let’s explore 15 plants that you can grow just in water. For each I’ll give: the name (common + botanical), why they work, how to set them up in water, care notes, and any special considerations.

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1. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Why it works: Very forgiving vine, roots easily in water, and will continue to grow long trailing stems. Many sources list it as one of the easiest water‑grown plants. House Digest+1
How to set up: Take a 4‑6 inch cutting with a node (leaf node) and remove lower leaves. Place the stem in a jar of water with the node submerged. Change the water weekly or every 1‑2 weeks. Provide bright indirect light. Thursd
Care notes: Once roots are strong, you can keep it in water long term — just replenish water and occasionally feed with diluted liquid fertilizer.
Special notes: Transparent vase shows roots beautifully; you can add gravel or decorative stones to hold stems upright.

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2. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

Why it works: Similar to pothos in habit, resilient, adapts well to water culture.
Setup: Cut a stem just below a node, place in water with lower node submerged, change water every 1‑2 weeks. Provide moderate to bright indirect light. Houseplant Alley
Care notes: Once rooted, stably grown in water; can become trailing plant; may require occasionally removing algae from container walls.
Special notes: Can add a few drops of hydroponic fertilizer monthly for sustained growth.

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3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Why: Often recommended as low‑light, forgiving houseplant and works in water culture. Gardening Soul
Setup: Remove soil from roots if transplanting into water; place roots in a vase of water; change water every 2 weeks; provide bright indirect light or moderate light. NoBroker
Care: You may need to add a very mild nutrient solution so it continues to grow and possibly bloom.
Special considerations: Because peace lilies often bloom, in water culture expect slower growth or fewer flowers compared to soil.

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4. Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)

Why: Known for its arrow‑shaped leaves; article identifies it among plants that grow in water. GardenDesign.com
Setup: Take a stem with nodes; place two or three nodes in water; change water regularly; keep in bright indirect light.
Care: Supports trailing or climbing habit; good for shelves and hanging jars.
Special notes: Watch for quick growth; you may need to prune if it becomes too long.

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5. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)

Why: A hardy houseplant tolerant of low light; suited for growing in water. GardenDesign.com+1
Setup: Use a cutting or whole plant with washed roots, place in water; ensure root base is submerged, leaves above water surface. Change water every 1‑2 weeks.
Care: Because of its moderate growth, this plant is suitable for desks or low‑light corners.
Special notes: Ensure leaves don’t stay submerged; stagnant leaf bases may rot.

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6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Why: Trailing vine that adapts to water culture; mentioned in multiple lists. NoBroker
Setup: Take a 4‑6 inch vine cutting, strip bottom leaves, place in a jar of water. Change water often, keep in bright indirect light.
Care: Requires slightly more light than some indoor plants; keep away from cold drafts.
Note: Watch for tiny root hairs and keep clean water to prevent bacterial slime.

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7. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Why: Very popular as a plant grown in water alone; often sold in water‑filled containers. NoBroker+1
Setup: Fill a vase with water (distilled or low‑minerals recommended), place stem(s) upright with root base submerged. Change water every few days.
Care: Easy for beginners; often used in feng shui. Keep in moderate light; avoid direct sun or overly dark corners.
Notes: Because many “lucky bamboo” sold are in decorative arrangements, watering is often simple.

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8. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)

Why: Colourful foliage plant; mentioned in hydro‑lists as water‑cultivable. Inspired Hearth+1
Setup: Take a stem cutting with several leaves, place in clear water, change water weekly; keep in bright indirect light.
Care: Because of its coloured leaves, ensure enough light so colour remains vivid.
Notes: Good for decorative vases and arrangements; replace water often to keep leaves crisp.

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9. Peace Lily ‘Water Culture’ — see Peace Lily above; essentially same plant.

(Since we already listed Peace Lily, you may choose another alternative below.)

9 (alternate). Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Why: While commonly grown in soil, it can be propagated in water and in some cases grown long‑term. One article, however, notes growth may be less vigorous in water. Homes and Gardens
Setup: Take one of the “spiderettes” (baby plantlets) with some roots or no roots, place in a glass of water; change water weekly; place in bright indirect light.
Care: Best used for propagation or temporary display; if you want full lush growth, you may eventually transplant to soil.
Notes: Clear glass with water and roots creates a nice aesthetic; trim brown leaf tips as needed.

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10. Monstera Adansonii (aka Swiss Cheese Vine)

Why: Trendy plant, suitable for water growth; listed among plants that can be grown in water. Houseplant Alley+1
Setup: Cut a stem with node and leaf; place in a tall vase of water; ensure node is below water; change water every 1‑2 weeks; provide bright indirect light.
Care: Because of size potential, you may need to periodically prune or transfer to larger vessel; ensure support if vines grow long.
Notes: Clear tubing or long vases highlight roots; add some decorative glass beads for style.

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11. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Why: Tropical broad‑leafed plant; referenced in water‑culture lists. Real Simple
Setup: Use a cutting or entire small plant; rinse off soil; place root end in water; change water every 1‑2 weeks; keep in warm, bright indirect light.
Care: Because Dieffenbachia is mildly toxic (as are many houseplants), keep away from children/pets.
Notes: Leaves can be large, so choose adequate space; may grow slower in water than soil but still effective for display.

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12. Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei)

Why: Compact decorative plant; mentioned in water‑culture lists (GardeningSoul list). Gardening Soul
Setup: Cut stem with nodes; place in water; change water every week or two; keep in moderate light.
Care: Because of its smaller size, good for desktops or small vases.
Notes: Silver leaf markings show nicely in glass; keep trimmed to avoid legginess.

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13. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

Why: Known for colorful foliage; listed among plants that can be grown in water indoors. Houseplant Alley
Setup: Choose a healthy stem with variegated leaves; place root base in water; change water weekly; provide bright light (colorful leaves need good light).
Care: Crotons prefer high brightness; if leaves lose color, light is likely insufficient.
Notes: Because of bright color, great for accent pieces; glass container highlights roots + colored leaves.

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14. Anthurium (Anthurium spp.)

Why: Elegant flowering plant; source lists mention it as “grows in water.” Houseplant Alley
Setup: Remove soil carefully; place root base in water; ensure water level covers roots but not leaves; change water every 1‑2 weeks; bright indirect light; occasionally feed.
Care: Anthuriums in water may grow slower than soil; may need more frequent nutrient feed.
Notes: Because of spathes (the coloured flowers), the display is striking with water roots visible.

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15. Oxalis (False Shamrock) (Oxalis triangularis)

Why: Mentioned among plants “that grow in water” (HouseplantAlley list). Houseplant Alley
Setup: Use a cutting or small plant; remove soil; place root base in water; change water every 1‑2 weeks; keep in bright indirect light.
Care: Leaves fold at night (this is normal for Oxalis); may need more frequent trimming.
Notes: Purple foliage is decorative; good for small vases near windows.

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🔍 Summary Table

Here’s a quick reference:

#	Plant	Light Needs	Notes
1	Golden Pothos	Bright indirect to low	Very easy, excellent trailing root display
2	Heartleaf Philodendron	Indirect light	Similar to pothos, good for jars
3	Peace Lily	Moderate to bright indirect	Elegant, may bloom in water
4	Arrowhead Vine	Moderate light	Arrow‑shaped leaves, good for vines
5	Chinese Evergreen	Low to moderate light	Hardy, good for lower‑light spots
6	English Ivy	Bright indirect	Trailing vine, nice rooting in water
7	Lucky Bamboo	Moderate light	Very beginner‑friendly, decorative vase
8	Coleus	Bright indirect	Colorful leaves, frequent water changes
9	Spider Plant	Bright indirect to low	Good for propagation, possibly long‑term
10	Monstera Adansonii	Bright indirect	Trendy vine, good roots in water
11	Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)	Moderate to bright indirect	Larger leaves, check for toxicity
12	Aluminum Plant (Pilea)	Moderate light	Compact, good for desktops/vases
13	Croton	Bright light required	Colorful foliage needs good light
14	Anthurium	Bright indirect	Flowering, needs good nutrition
15	Oxalis (False Shamrock)	Bright indirect	Decorative, purple foliage

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🛠 Additional Care and Troubleshooting Tips

• Algae growth: If water is exposed to direct sunlight or the container is clear and gets light on roots, algae can grow. To reduce, change water often, limit algae‑favouring light, or use an opaque container/cover.

• Root rot: Even in water, roots can rot if there's no oxygen or if the water is stagnant. Consider using a container with some aeration or changing water more frequently.

• Yellowing leaves: Could be lack of nutrients. Use a very diluted houseplant or hydroponic fertilizer every 4‑6 weeks after roots establish.

• Slow growth: Many water‑grown plants grow slower than soil‑grown. It’s normal. Ensure good light and some nutrients.

• Cleaning container: Every time you change water, rinse roots and container to remove slime or buildup.

• Water quality: Use filtered or dechlorinated water if possible. If you’re using tap water, let it sit or use a water‑safe filter.

• Temperature: Most houseplants prefer 65‑85 °F (~18‑29 °C). Avoid placing near drafts, heat vents, or very cold windows.

• Propagation vs permanent growth: Many plants work well as “propagation in water” but may eventually prefer soil for full growth. Decide if you want them as “water plants” permanently or just for starter roots.

• Support for large plants: For vines like Monstera, you might want to anchor stems or provide some weight/decor on the bottom so they don’t tip.

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🧭 Which Should You Pick for Your Space?

• For beginners/low maintenance: Try Lucky Bamboo, Golden Pothos, Chinese Evergreen.

• For decorative colour or leaves: Croton, Coleus, Oxalis.

• For trailing vines and dramatic roots: Monstera Adansonii, English Ivy, Heartleaf Philodendron.

• For compact desktop vases: Aluminum Plant (Pilea), Arrowhead Vine, Spider Plant (baby plantlet).

• For flowers in water: Anthurium, Peace Lily (though expect less blooming than soil‑grown).

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✅ Final Thoughts

Growing plants just in water is a beautiful and low‑mess way to bring greenery into your home. The 15 plants listed above are all proven to root, grow and stay healthy in water (with the caveats of light, water changes, nutrient input). With the right setup and a bit of care, you can create an elegant indoor “water garden” of houseplants.

If you like, I can compile a printable PDF guide with pictures and care charts for each of the 15 plants, or provide video tutorial links for water‑based growing of each. Would you like me to do that?